Compare centrifugal pumps

Engineering catalogs have what seems to be an endless description of specifications for centrifugal pumps. Finding the one to fit your application is tricky business.

I recommend: Search and compare many suppliers at once by visiting GlobalSpec, which is an engineering catalog library that makes searching for the right part easy. Simply type in your need at the find box, click a category then narrow your search by selecting a needed spec. ThomasNet is another such resource that also allows you to compare suppliers of centrifugal pumps. Their site allows you to narrow your search down to the state the company supplies to as well.

Educate yourself on centrifugal pump design application

When your design project takes you into unfamiliar territory, it's great to get a helping hand. Attending a seminar or taking an online class gives you the tools you need to get the job done right and in a timely manner.

I recommend: John Hopkins University Engineering Program for Professionals offers engineering enrichment classes and graduate programs for those in the mechanical, civil and environmental engineering field to ensure you have a thorough knowledge of centrifugal pump applications. For a more specialized approach, try Boss International's "Pumping Systems Design for Civil Engineers" two-day seminar.

Get the right centrifugal pump for the job

You need the right pump for the job. This sometimes means looking at spec sheets and crunching numbers. That is, unless you can find a tool to help you do the number crunching for you.

I recommend: Try Impeller.net's Pump Selector. They are the online pump magazine with not only a pump selector resource directly on their home page, but also an encyclopedia as well. Grainger is another specialist in centrifugal pumps, with a catalog of hundreds of models.